Honoring Bev Tall

Before we began our workshop, our advisor Linnea Storm presented a Special Member Certificate to Bev Tall for her achievement as an instructor. Congratulations to Bev.

Today’s class was led by Yuki Kataoka, Assistant Professor of Ikebana 2nd Grade,  “Kakan.” Students were thrilled to learn from her expertise as she guided us through the creative process of Free Style arrangements, a captivating form of Japanese flower arranging.

Yuki began her lecture by introducing the fundamental elements of Jiyuka (freestyle). One of the key concepts she emphasized was “shussho,” which refers to the essential characteristics or the inner or inner nature of the plant. Free style arrangements are a reflection of the arranger’s imagination, often inspired by landscapes, vases, or special occasions.

As we crafted our arrangements, we considered various design factors, including plant shapes that convey line, surface, points, and mass, all of which contribute to the overall depth and dimension of the work. We explored angles to express movement—whether vertical, horizontal, slanting, or complex—ensuring that our designs effectively utilized space, maintained balance, and showcased an aesthetic interplay of colors and textures. Each arrangement was intended to relate to a specific theme or story.

The final creations were truly remarkable, showcasing the unique vision of each student. We hope this workshop has sparked your interest in the expressive and beautiful art of Ikenobo. Check out the stunning arrangements featured in the accompanying photos!